Renault18
Enthusiast
- Messages
- 12
- Location
- Sandbach
So, after parading pictures of Blanche, the 4 Savane on here the other week, disaster befell her. I acquired the correct replacement air filter for her and Malcolm sent the original base up to me in the post. I innocently removed the fitted filter (from a GTL) and secured the original base, new filter and rubber strap.
I then started up, revved the car and what ensued was the most awful sound I've ever heard on one of my cars. It sounded like a valve was sticking, so I immediately switched off. I was unable to understand how changing an air filter would sudden cause the engine to make the noise, or why a valve would suddenly stick.
I (stupidly) restarted the car to find the noise again - the loudest tapping sound ever, plus an inclination not to want to rev. Then it occurred to me - on the three studs on the carburettor, I could only recall fitting two of the tiny washers. The thought also entered my head, had I heard a tiny metallic pinging noise as I took the old mounting plate away?
That would be a yes then!
Yes, unnoticed by me, one of the tiny washers from the air filter mount had seemingly stuck to the mount and slipped off as I withdrew it, miraculously finding its way straight down the little throat of the Zenith carb. Upon start up, it went along with the air/fuel mixture for a ride - straight into number three cylinder where bits embedded themselves into the head and the edge of the piston.
Thankfully - and I've no idea how, but no scoring of the liner took place.
The piston has been very carefully cleaned up, the head cleaned and valves removed and a new head gasket fitted to complete the job. I'm still terrified that I may have disturbed a liner, but the job was painstakingly done and there appears to be no coolant in the oil.
Blanche started up straight away, minus the unwanted noise, although I feel that despite being unbelievably thorough, one of the valve clearances is out. I will now await a test run - I am collecting another 956cc engine in a week's time, so there is always a fall back position.
In the meantime, do yourselves a favour - put a piece of clean rag in the carb when you are working minus the air filter!
I then started up, revved the car and what ensued was the most awful sound I've ever heard on one of my cars. It sounded like a valve was sticking, so I immediately switched off. I was unable to understand how changing an air filter would sudden cause the engine to make the noise, or why a valve would suddenly stick.
I (stupidly) restarted the car to find the noise again - the loudest tapping sound ever, plus an inclination not to want to rev. Then it occurred to me - on the three studs on the carburettor, I could only recall fitting two of the tiny washers. The thought also entered my head, had I heard a tiny metallic pinging noise as I took the old mounting plate away?
That would be a yes then!
Yes, unnoticed by me, one of the tiny washers from the air filter mount had seemingly stuck to the mount and slipped off as I withdrew it, miraculously finding its way straight down the little throat of the Zenith carb. Upon start up, it went along with the air/fuel mixture for a ride - straight into number three cylinder where bits embedded themselves into the head and the edge of the piston.
Thankfully - and I've no idea how, but no scoring of the liner took place.
The piston has been very carefully cleaned up, the head cleaned and valves removed and a new head gasket fitted to complete the job. I'm still terrified that I may have disturbed a liner, but the job was painstakingly done and there appears to be no coolant in the oil.
Blanche started up straight away, minus the unwanted noise, although I feel that despite being unbelievably thorough, one of the valve clearances is out. I will now await a test run - I am collecting another 956cc engine in a week's time, so there is always a fall back position.
In the meantime, do yourselves a favour - put a piece of clean rag in the carb when you are working minus the air filter!
